Using Transversus Abdominis Plane Block to Manage Pain in Acute Appendicitis

Assessment of the Efficacy of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Alleviating Acute Appendicitis Pain in the Emergency Department

Not applicable Interventional Ankara City Hospital Bilkent · NCT06808737

This study is testing whether a special pain relief technique called the TAP block can help people with acute appendicitis feel less pain while they wait for surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment105 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAnkara City Hospital Bilkent Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara, Yenimahalle)
Trial IDNCT06808737 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block for pain management in patients with acute appendicitis awaiting emergency surgery. Patients presenting with abdominal pain and diagnosed with acute appendicitis will be randomly assigned to one of three groups receiving different TAP block dosages. Pain intensity will be measured using the Numeric Rating Scale at various intervals post-treatment, and patient demographics and satisfaction will also be documented. The goal is to enhance pain control strategies for acute appendicitis patients in emergency settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over diagnosed with acute appendicitis who are scheduled for surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with certain conditions such as coagulopathy, local anesthetic allergies, or chronic pain disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management for patients undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with TAP blocks for pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis in the emergency department and scheduled for definitive surgery following general surgical consultation: patients will have their Alvarado score calculated based on history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, and acute appendicitis will be confirmed by ultrasound and/or contrast-enhanced/non-contrast-enhanced abdominal CT.
* Patients aged 18 and over
* Patients who provide written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with abdominal wall anatomical abnormalities
* Patients with known local anesthetic allergies
* Body mass index \> 30
* Patients weighing less than 45 kg
* Coagulopathy
* Patients with opioid, alcohol, or substance addiction
* Patients with skin infections at the site of local anesthetic application
* Pregnant or breastfeeding patients
* Hemodynamically unstable patients
* Patients with liver or kidney failure
* Patients with chronic pain disorders
* Patients who have difficulty cooperating or have language barriers
* Patients who do not provide written consent
* Patients under 18 years of age

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Yenimahalle

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Acute AppendicitisTransversus Abdominis Plane blockPain managementEmergency DepartmentPain controlAnalgesics, opioidBupivacaineAnalgesia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.